Open Data Literacy (ODL) is focused on improving accessibility and use of open data, specifically for communities that can benefit most from public sector information. Practically, ODL advances data literacy by developing new curriculum for iSchool students and public librarians; coordinating internships, fieldwork, and action research projects between the University of Washington (UW) and public institutions with open data initiatives; and, producing community workshops and open education resources that are freely available to the general public. Because ODL believes libraries are well-positioned to promote open data literacy, much of ODL’s research centers around the role of libraries in the open data movement.
ODL is based in the Information School at UW, and supported by a three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant. Our ongoing work includes diverse partners such as Washington State Library, Seattle Public Library, Washington State Department of Transportation, City of Seattle, and State of Washington’s Office of Innovation. We are also looking for additional partners throughout the country.
